Fredonia wins NYSSMA gold

June 30, 2013

Two groups of Fredonia Central School musicians proved they were worth their weight in gold at a recent festival.

The Fredonia Symphonic Band was awarded a rating of Gold with Distinction at the New York State School Music Association's Major Organization Festival in Silver Creek. The Gold with Distinction rating is the highest honor possible. Only three groups in all of NYSSMA Zone One, comprising of Erie, Chautauqua, Niagara and Cattaraugus counties, earned this rating this year.

Also at the NYSSMA festival, the Fredonia High School Orchestra was awarded a rating of Gold.

Article Photos

Fredonia Central School’s band.

Fredonia Central School’s Orchestra.

According to NYSSMA, "The Gold rating will be awarded to organizations that have demonstrated an outstanding level of technical and artistic skill. A Gold With Distinction will be awarded to those organizations that qualify for a Gold Rating while having achieved a standard of performance deemed exceptional in all selections."

The Gold with Distinction and Gold ratings are a testament to the hard work of these student musicians. The Symphonic Band is directed by Andrew Bennett. The Fredonia High School Orchestra is directed by Colleen Vanderzyden.

The mission of NYSSMA is to advocate for and improve music education across New York state by promoting and producing appropriate activities and programs for its membership and students in member school music programs.